Wire-fence tightener



(No Model.)

J. S. GILILLAND. WIRE FENCE TIGHTENER.

Patented Jan. 4,1898.

amen Wow UNITED STATES PATENT rrrcn.

JOHN S. GILILLAND, OF DECATUR, TEXAS.

WIRE-FENCE TlGHTEN ER.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 596,748, dated January 4, 1898.

Application filed June 23, 1897. Serial No. 641,926. (N0 model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN S. GILILLAND, re siding at Decatur, in the county of Vise and State of Texas, have invented a new and useful Wire-Fence Tightener, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has relation to certain improvements in Wire-fence tools, and more particularly to an improved tightening device.

An object of my invention is to provide an improved fence-tool whereby the strands of wire of a fence may be drawn partially around any sized post, so that any sag in the wire will be remedied and all slack taken out.

A further object of my invention is to provide a fence {tool so constructed that the strands of fence-Wire may be stretched Wholly or partially around the post to permit of the securing thereto of a fastening-Wire, whereby the fence-strands are stretched and securely held.

A further object of the invention is to provide a wire-fence tool or tightening device simple in construction and composed of but a few strong and inexpensive parts.

Vith these and other objects in view my invention consists in certain novel features of construction and in combinations and arrangements of parts that will be more fully described hereinafter and then specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

In order that my invention may be fully understood, I will now proceed to describe the same, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing my device in operative position. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tool proper, and Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of the stretcher and tightener.

The same letters of reference will indicate similar parts wherever they occur throughout the different views.

In the practical embodiment of my invention I have shown a fence comprising the posts A and the-strands of barb-wire B.

My improved tool or tightener comprises a preferably rectangular-shaped frame 0 of a single piece of material, the same being. pro vided with a central opening D, adapted to receive the end of a lever E when the Wires are to be stretched and tightened. The sides of the frame at their upper portions are curved over, as shown, and are provided with the central opening F, extending therethrough,to act as a bearing for the reception of the lower ends of the wires G H, while the upper ends thereof are bent over, as shown, to form the hooks I, which are adapted to embrace the wire strands of the fence when they are about to be fastened to the posts.

J indicates a small section of wire adapted to be fastened to the strands aftersaid strands have been stretched and they are about to be secured to the posts.

The operation of the device will be readily understood from the foregoing description and may be briefly stated as follows: When the wires of a fence have sagged or become slack and it is desired to stretch or tighten them, the hooks Iare slipped over the strands on each side of the post. The end of the lever E is then passed through the opening D of the frame, the upper edge thereof bearing against one side of the post, as shown, thereby forming a fulcrumat this point. Pressure is then exerted on the lever until the strand of fence-wire is drawn around the post far enough to have all the slack taken out of it, When a short section of wire J is secured to the strand on each side of the post and twisted or otherwise secured thereto, when the stretcher can be removed ready for another operation.

' The invention is very simple in construction and composed of but a few parts, and by its use I am enabled in a very short space of time to tighten the strands and securely bind the same to the posts. Furthermore, no particular kind or size of post will be required to which the wires are to be secured, and while I have described the frame as being preferably rectangular in shape it is evident that I do not limit myself to any particular shape, and that further slight changes might be made in the forms and constructions of the several parts described Without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. Hence I do not care to limit myself to the exact construction herein set forth, but consider myself entitled to all such changes as may fall within the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A Wire-fence tool comprising the frame having the lower central opening adapted to receive a lever, and the Wires mounted within the upper portion of said frame, the upper ends thereof being bent over, as shown, to form hooks, as and for the purpose set forth.

2. A Wire-fence tool, comprising the frame formed of a single piece of material, a central,

opening in the lower portion thereof to reoeive an end of a lever, the sides of the frame at its upper end being curved to form bear ings, and the Wires mounted in said bearings having the hooks formed on the upper en cls thereof as and for the purpose set forth.

JOHN S. GILILLAND.

\V'itnesses:

ALBERT WALKER, R. L. MORE. 

